Would it have changed things if it was labelled the 'Global Economic Challenge.'

Or what about:

'The Global Economic Opportunity.'

My belief is that the current economic situation might not be as bad if we changed this one word right at the outset. You see, the words we use have a powerful affect on how we think and how we feel. The word 'challenge' is a positive way of thinking about any 'problem.' The word 'opportunity' sheds a positive light on any situation and has a critical ingredient. This transformational ingredient is 'HOPE.'

'Opportunity inspires hope in those who choose to see it."

The great thing about opportunity is that it can be inserted into anyone's vocabulary with a little bit of daily effort. But......I love it when people say that word, because it usually means that the sceptic is about to offer up a challenge. So, here's the BUT:

Will it really make a difference? After all, we ARE in a Financial Crisis and by using POSITIVE WORDS aren't we just SUGAR-COATING the TRUTH?

The answer to both questions is a definitive Yes - absolutely. It is fair to say that it does put a positive spin on the situation. That is also precisely WHY it makes a difference.

'You won't see the light at the end of the tunnel if you keep your eyes to the ground.'

 In business and in life, we are faced with a myriad of choices.

• What do I think?
• What should I feel?
• What can I do?
• What will I do?

 Choosing to see difficult situations in a positive light is a choice that CAN make all the difference. Each moment of every day we get to make this choice. It is funny that so many people will consciously or unconsciously make choices in what they say, think and feel that actually disempower them on a daily basis.

A lady spoke to me after delivering a seminar in Brisbane recently and told me of her daughter's depressive cycles. The daughter was encouraged to try jumping out of bed in the morning, say out loud 'today is going to be a great day' and wear a big smile on her face. She was also told that she would be asked each day until she gave it a try. On the first two days, she did not do it. On the afternoon of the third day, the daughter came home with a big smile on her face. The mother asked her why she was 'beaming'. She replied 'it worked okay. I did the stupid jump-out-of-bed thing in the morning and laughed because of it. Today has been a really good day'.

The current financial situation, though not ideal, is a chance for us to do things better, to do things smarter, to learn more about ourselves, and perhaps become better people in the process. Sometimes, dire situations enable us to recognise what is truly most important in our lives and re-focus our energy and attention to be more in line with our core values. 

Let's make the Global Financial Crisis a thing of the past! I wish you all the best in making the most out of every opportunity that comes your way this year.